Hair Styling Device

ABSTRACT

A hair styling device includes a styling rod and a handle connected with the styling rod, which features a holding device and a pivoting cap connected to the holding device. The cap can be pivoted between an opening and closing position and serves to close the housing for the gas cartridge. The inside of the cap features in the area of its free end contact parts, which are designed to exert, upon closure of the cap, a displacement force on the gas cartridge in axial direction of the device. As a result, by closing the cap, the gas cartridge is moved directly into operating position during which a needle valve is inserted in a valve of the gas cartridge by displacing the gas cartridge. In addition, in the area of its linkage to the holding device, the cap features a clamp which, upon opening of the cap, exerts an axial displacement force on the gas cartridge in longitudinal direction of the device toward the handle&#39;s end of the hair styling device and thus brings it into a position of removal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a gas-operated hair styling device including a handle and a styling rod connected to the handle.

BACKGROUND

Hair styling devices, which include a styling rod for shaping, in particular straightening, curling or waving hair, at which the hair can be placed between tongs facing each other and the tongs can be transferred from an open to a closed condition and vice versa are known in prior art. For example, WO 2004/019723 shows a gas-operated hair styling device of the kind mentioned above, which has a replaceable gas cartridge in the handle of a hair styling device.

In this case, the housing for the gas cartridge is closed by a removable closing cap, which is removed from the handle if the gas cartridge is exchanged, i.e., if the cartridge has to be removed from the handle. To remove an empty gas cartridge, the user has to manually detach the gas cartridge from a needle valve to be able to remove it from the housing of the handle. To insert a new, gas-filled cartridge it is required that the cartridge is manually attached to the needle valve provided for the withdrawal of gas. Finally, before use, the user has to close the handle by means of the closing cap.

The exchange procedure described has its disadvantages with regard to user friendliness and manageability since, on the one hand, the user has to handle several parts, namely at least the handle and the closing cap and, on the other hand, he has to make sure that the closing cap is again placed at the handle in the correct and specified direction.

Especially in an embodiment in which the closing cap is designed to be placed at the end of the handle and to be removed from the handle by means of a snap-on mechanism, there is an increased risk of being injured if the cartridge has to be exchanged while the hair styling device is in use. With such implementation, secure handling of the handle is possible only in a very restricted way after the closing cap has been removed. Especially the process of detaching the closing cap can cause the handle to slip away and, as a result, the user's hand may come in contact with hot styling rod. This, in turn, can result in painful burnings.

Furthermore, a removable closing requires, at least partially, a double-walled design of the handle to provide the necessary space for guide length and inlet guide. In particular with regard to portable hair styling devices for which it is especially desired to reduce size and weight of the component, this at least partially double-walled embodiment of the handle is especially disadvantageous. Moreover, a detachable connection between the removable closing cap and handle of the hair styling device usually causes the impression in the user of dealing with a less stable device.

What is needed, therefore, is a hair styling device that improves handling of the device in exchanging the gas cartridges.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, a hair styling device includes a styling rod and a handle connected to the styling rod. The handle is configured to accept a gas cartridge and features a holding device and a pivoting cap to close the housing for the gas cartridge. The pivoting cap is connected to the holding device and can be pivoted between an opening and a closing position.

The pivoting cap prevents the user of the hair styling device from having to deal with several components of the hair styling device if the gas cartridge has to be exchanged. Since the pivoting cap is designed as an integral part of the handle of the hair styling device, it is effectively avoided that, during the process of changing the gas cartridge, a removable closing part can, for example, be misplaced, damaged or incorrectly connected to the handle. Since the closing cap no longer has to be detached in order to change the cartridge, it is also prevented that the user gets burned because of coming in contact with the hot styling rod.

Typically, the pivoting cap rotates around a fixed pivot axis, preventing an incorrect closing of the housing.

In addition, the closing cap allows for a single-wall embodiment of the holding device which considerably reduces the size of the holding device compared to devices according to prior art.

In some embodiments of the invention, the hair styling device includes a snap-on means to lock the cap in opening position. For instance, if the user transfers or pivots the cap from closing position to opening position, the snap-on mechanism allows the cap to be stopped or locked in the opening position. In opening position, the housing for the gas cartridge is especially easy to access and the fact that the cap is locked in opening position prevents the cap from switching automatically to closing position during the process of removing or inserting the gas cartridge. The locking in opening position therefore considerably increases manageability and user friendliness of the hair styling device during the process of changing the gas cartridge.

In some embodiments of the invention, during the process of closing the cap axially in longitudinal direction of the device toward the styling rod, the gas cartridge, which can be inserted in the housing of the holding device, can be moved into operating position. In operating position, the gas cartridge is pushed onto a pin or needle valve, in order to extract gas from the cartridge. Consequently, the housing for the gas cartridge allows an axial movement of the gas cartridge between operating position and position of removal. In the position of removal, the gas cartridge is typically detached from the pin or needle valve and can be directly removed from the housing. Compared to the position of removal, in operating position, the cartridge is moved toward the styling rod. The position of removal, on the other hand, is arranged further away from the styling rod.

In some embodiments of the invention, the inside of the cap features in the area of its free end contact parts which, upon closure of the cap, exert a displacement force on the gas cartridge in the direction of the styling rod. The free end of the cap is the end opposite of the pivot axis. The contact parts can be designed, for example, as angular faces which can switch a radial or vertical force on the cap to an axial or horizontal displacement force whereby the displacement force acts on the gas cartridge in order to move it in the direction of the styling rod until it reaches its operating position.

The contact parts and the associated switching of the force exerted on the cap especially achieve that, directly at the closing of the cap, the gas cartridge is automatically pushed on the pin or needle valve to extract the gas. This makes it unnecessary to manually push the gas cartridge on the pin of needle valve, as designed in prior art.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cap has on its inside a projection in the area of its linkage to the holding device. This projection is designed, upon opening the cap, to exert a displacement force on the gas cartridge away from the styling rod. The projection is arranged to form a rigid piece with the cap, spaced from the pivot axis. As a result, upon opening the cap, the projection attaches to the gas cartridge and the gas cartridge, in turn, automatically is pulled away from the pin or needle valve.

These embodiments include a further improvement of the hair styling device because, compared to prior art, it is no longer necessary to manually remove or pull away the gas cartridge from the pin or needle valve. Consequently, after the cap is opened or, in particular, after the cap locks into its opening position, the used gas cartridge has been removed from the pin and lies unattached in the housing, which makes it especially advantageous for a user to remove the gas cartridge from the housing in a user friendly and easy manner.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the holding device features an opening mechanism to lift the cap from its closing position into a release position. Since in closing position the cap and the holding device are typically attached to each other in flush fashion, it is only possible to a limited extent, for example, because of a smooth surface structure, to lift the cap from its closing position. However, in release position, the cap is opened at least a little, forming a gap between the cap and the holding device, which makes it considerably easier to take and lift the cap. In addition, the opening mechanism serves the purpose of automatically lifting the free end of the cap from closing position to release position.

In some embodiments of the invention, the inside of the cap features at least one spring-loaded element to lift the cap from its closing position. For example, upon closing the cap, this spring-loaded element can be tensioned, allowing the spring energy stored in the spring-loaded element to lift the cap into release position if the cap is opened or unlocked. Therefore, the spring-loaded element can be tensioned, for example, against the inserted gas cartridge if the cap is closed.

In some embodiments of the invention, the opening mechanism can be operated by an unlocking device, which is preferably counter-sunk at the end of the holding device. For example, the unlocking device can be designed as a key or push button, a slider or button. Its counter-sunk arrangement in the surface of the housing prevents the opening mechanism from being activated unintentionally, allowing the hair styling device to be put down in any position without risking that the opening mechanism is activated unintentionally.

An actuation of the unlocking device primarily serves the purpose of releasing a locking device or connection between cap and holding device, pressing the pre-tensioned spring-loaded element against the cap and bringing the cap in release position. In some embodiments of the invention, the holding device features at its end a wall section extending to the interior and restricting the housing for the gas cartridge. This wall section, which is designed at the end of the hair styling device's handle at the holding device, prevents the gas cartridge from unintentionally slipping out if the cap is opened. For example, if the cap is in opening position and the hair styling device is held in a way that the end of the handle points downward, the wall section forms a stop position for the gas cartridge, which is free to move in the housing axially in longitudinal direction of the device. In order to take the gas cartridge out f the housing, it is required to slightly lift the gas cartridge above the restricting wall section, which typically requires an additional movement on the part of the user. In this way an uncontrolled slipping of the gas cartridge is largely avoided.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wall section and the cap are designed to form a form-fit snap-on connection. Consequently, in closing position of the cap, parts of the cap and the wall section are arranged to partially overlap to form a snap-on connection. For this, the wall section and/or cap feature matching snap-on elements.

In some embodiments of the invention, the unlocking device can be actuated against spring tension to release the snap-on connection. The unlocking device can be arranged at the wall section of the holding device or at the cap. Depending on the design of the snap-on connection, by actuating the unlocking device, latches or corresponding undercuts are moved against spring tension, releasing the snap-on connection. The latches or corresponding undercuts can be arranged at the wall section or at the cap.

In some embodiments of the invention, the spring tension to release the snap-on connection can be derived from a one-piece spring-loaded element, which is provided also to actuate the opening mechanism. For example, the one-piece spring-loaded element can be arranged to form a rectangular spring element at the interior side of the cap in such a way that one end contacts the unlocking element positioned at the end and the other end contacts the shell or cylindrical surface of the inserted gas cartridge.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cap features at an end a snap-on element with at least one latch to form a snap-on connection with the wall section of the holding device. The snap-on element is designed for reception at the wall section and, if the snap-on element rests against the wall section, its latches can engage in corresponding undercuts to form a form-fit snap-on connection.

In some embodiments of the invention, the holding device and the cap feature matching outer surfaces, which supplement each other to form a cylindrical shape in closing position. The outer surface of the holding device is tapering toward the end. Consequently, in the area of the handle's end, the cap surrounds more than half of the radial circumference of the inserted gas cartridge in closing position. If the cap is opened, such design makes it possible that a user can grip the inserted gas cartridge below its medium center line between thumb and index finger and lift it out. Thus, if the cap is opened, the side areas of the cartridge are easily accessible, having an advantageous effect on handling the device during the process of changing the cartridge. It has also been designed that, in direction of the end pointing to the styling rod, the outer surface of the holding device encloses the inserted gas cartridge much more than the cap. An associated maximizing of the surface of the holding device is especially advantageous for handling the entire hair styling device during the process of changing the cartridge. For instance, the user can securely hold the hair styling device in one hand even if the cap is opened.

The following description of the drawings show further objectives, advantages, characteristics and forms of application of aspects of the invention. All characteristics described and/or illustrated represent in itself or in any combination aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair styling device with inserted gas cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair styling device with extracted gas cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing for the gas cartridge with opened cap.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cap interior.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the end area of the holding device.

FIG. 6 is a radial cross section through the hair styling device.

FIG. 7 is a cross section along the cut E-E indicated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross section along the cut F-F indicated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross section along the cut A-A indicated in FIG. 6 with opened cap.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross section along the cut A-A indicated in FIG. 6 with closed cap.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross section through the hair styling device along the cut B-B indicated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pivot bearing of the cap with snap-on mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the hair styling device 1 which has a styling rod 2 and an associated handle 3. The housing of the handle 3 is divided into a holding device 5 and a cap 4 pivoting at the holding device. In opening position, the pivoting cap 4 uncovers a housing, which is designed to receive a gas cartridge 6. The user can insert the gas cartridge 6 into a housing which is restricted by holding device 5. By closing the cap 4, it is pushed into operating position. At the end, i.e., the side opposite of the styling rod 2, the holding device 5 has a wall section 8 extending to the interior, which restricts the housing area for the gas cartridge 6 toward the handle's end and consequently prevents that, while the cap is opened, the gas cartridge 6 is slipping out of the housing axially in longitudinal direction.

At its end, the cap 4 has a snap-on element 7 which is designed to form a form-fit connection with the wall section 8 of the holding device 5. The snap-on element 7 features at least one, preferably two latches 11, 12, which are designed to engage in corresponding undercuts of the wall section 8. By activating the actuating element or button 9, the snap-on element 7 and the two latches 11, 12 are moved in axial direction toward the styling rod 2, releasing the snap-on connection between snap-on element 7 and wall section 8 and opening the cap 4.

In the depicted embodiment, the cap 4 and the holding device 5 have outer surfaces supplementing each other to form a cylindrical shape, at which the outer surface of the holding device 5 is tapered toward the end of the handle. As a result, at the end of the handle 3, the cap 4 has a larger radial circumference than the holding device 5 and thus, below the medium center lines, the gas cartridge 6 can be lifted above the wall section 8 and the user is able to grip the gas cartridge between thumb and index finger, easily lifting it out of the housing.

The radial circumference of the outer surface of the holding device 5 remains the same in the direction of the styling rod 2. However, preferably it is designed larger than the cap 4. This serves to maximize the radial circumference or shell of the holding device 5 in order to guarantee that the user can hold the handle 3 and thus the entire hair styling device 1 securely in one hand without slipping while exchanging the cartridge.

In addition, the hair styling device 1 features at the handle two switches 17, 18, which can be designed, for example, as key switches, rocker switches, or slider switches and have the purpose of regulating the temperature or operate the movable elements of the styling rod 2.

The gas cartridge 6 is axially movable in longitudinal direction of the hair styling device 1 between an operating position and position of removal. Especially during the process of opening the cap 4, the gas cartridge is pushed into the position of removal, and during the process of closing the cap 4, it is pushed in operating position. In operating position, the left end of the cartridge 6 is pushed on a needle valve or pin 10, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2. Therefore, during the process of closing the cap 4, the gas cartridge 6 is pushed onto the pin 10, resulting in the extraction of gas from the gas cartridge 6 required for operating the hair styling device without further interaction or actuation by the user.

The gas cartridge 6 can be pushed onto the pin 10 through depression on the cap 4, for example, by the contact parts arranged inside the cap 4, such as angular faces. If, upon closing the handle 3, the cap 4 is attached to the inserted gas cartridge 6, an angular face arranged inside the cap 4 diverts a force exerted on the cap 4 vertically from the outside to a displacement force exerted basically horizontally, in axial longitudinal direction toward the styling rod 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, it is not necessary to manually insert or push the gas cartridge 6 on the pin 10, as in some prior art. This has an advantageous effect on manageability and user friendliness of the hair styling device 1.

In the area of its linkage, i.e., in the area of the pivot axis 19, the cap 4 features a latch or clamp 20, which serves the purpose that, upon opening the cap 4, the gas cartridge 6 is pushed toward the handle's end into position of removal. Consequently, upon opening the cap 4, the gas cartridge 6 is pulled away from the pin 10. As a result, if the cap 4 is opened, the gas cartridge basically lies loosely in the housing of the holding device 5 and can be removed by easily lifting it above the wall section 8 of the handle 3.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the hair styling device 1 corresponding to FIG. 1 with removed gas cartridge 6. In the view shown in FIG. 2, the needle valve or pin 10, which is designed to extract gas from the gas cartridge 6, can be clearly seen.

FIG. 3 shows a further perspective view of the handle 3 with opened cap 4 and removed gas cartridge 6. It clearly shows the actuating element 9, which is arranged counter-sink at the end of the cap 4 and which is provided for the snap-on mechanism to open the cap 4. FIG. 3 also shows the snap-on element with its two latches 11 and 12 protruding from the end of the cap 4.

If the cap 4 is in closed position, the projection 16, which is arranged at the wall section 8 extending to the internal area of the housing for the gas cartridge 6, forms an undercut for the two latches 11, 12 of the snap-on element 7. By pressing down the actuating element 9 designed in the shape of a button, the snap-on element 7 is moved in the direction of styling rod 2, releasing the snap-on connection between the cap 4 and the wall section 8 of the holding device 5.

Preferably, the button 9 is pressed down against spring tension which makes sure that it is principally not possible that the cap 4 is opened unintentionally. The counter-sunk arrangement of the button 9 also has the advantage that, for example, the cap 4 is not opened if the hair styling device 1 is put down on the end of the handle 3. Consequently, it is effectively being prevented that the cap opens unintentionally.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective interior view of the cap 4, which features on its inside at its loose end, i.e., at the end opposite of the styling rod 2, a snap-on element, two angular faces 13, 14, as well as a rectangular spring element 15. During the process of closing the cap 4, both angular faces 13, 14 become attached with the inserted gas cartridge 6. By further pressing down the cap 4 in its closing position, an axial displacement force in longitudinal direction to the styling rod is exerted on the gas cartridge, making sure that the gas cartridge 6 is pushed on the pin or needle valve 10.

In the embodiment depicted here, the spring element 15 designed in one piece has a two-fold function. On the one hand, the part of the spring element 15 arranged on the upper side of the cap's interior causes the cap 4 to spring open if the snap-on element is released from the wall section 8. In closing position of the cap 4, the spring element 15 is attached to gas cartridge 6 and is tensioned during the process of closing the cap 4. If the snap-on mechanism is opened, the spring element 15 can release tension, resulting in the fact that the cap 4 is transferred from closing position to release position, forming a gap between the cap 4 and the holding device 5. In release position, the cap 4 typically has an opening angle toward the center line of the hair styling device 1. The gap that is formed between the cap 4 and the holding device 5 makes sure that the cap 4 can be securely and easily gripped to completely open it.

On the other hand, with the part attached to the snap-on element 7, the spring element 15 exerts spring tension to prevent the actuating element 9 from being pressed down, guaranteeing that the two latches 11, 12 of the snap-on element 7 will always lock in place.

Other embodiments are possible in which the opening mechanism for the cap 4 and the snap-on element is each activated by a spring element. For instance, in such embodiments two separate spring elements can be arranged at the interior side of the cap 4, for example at the snap-on element 7 and at any place inside the cap 4.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective inside view of the holding device 5 with opened cap 4 and extracted gas cartridge 6. The wall section 8 extending to the interior can be clearly seen. On the one hand, this wall section prevents the gas cartridge 6 from slipping out of the shell formed by the holding device 5. On the other hand, the wall section forms an undercut for the snap-on element 7 of the cap 4 to lock in place.

In addition, it has to be pointed out that, for instance, the actuating element 9 can also be arranged appropriately at the holding device 5. Furthermore, the snap-on element 7 can also be arranged at the holding device 5, and the wall section 8 engaging in the snap-on element 7 can be arranged at the cap 4. In alternative embodiments, the snap-on mechanism can also be realized by means of a displacement element or a rotating element.

FIG. 6 shows a radial cross section through the hair styling device 1 with closed cap 4 and inserted gas cartridge 6. Both actuating elements 17, 18 to operate the hair styling device 1 can clearly be seen because they protrude from the cylindrical shell of the hair styling device 1. Further cross section surfaces A-A, B-B, E-E and F-F are drawn in, the cross sections of which are shown in FIGS. 7 through 11.

FIG. 7 shows the cross section proceeding through the cut E-E through the end of the handle 3 with closed cap 4. At the left lower edge it can be seen how the latch 12 engages in a respective undercut formed by the wall section 8. It is also shown that the button 9 directly interacts with the snap-on element 7 which forms a unit with the latch 12. Consequently, pressing the button 9 down causes the snap-on mechanism to be released and allows the cap 4 to spring open due to the spring tension the spring element 15 applies on the shell of the gas cartridge 6. In the same way, the vertically arranged spring element 15 keeps the latch 12 in closing position.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section along the cut F-F corresponding to FIG. 7. In this cross section, the angular face 14 of the cap 4 can be clearly seen. If the cap 4 is pressed down, it becomes attached to the left end of the of the gas cartridge 6 and causes the gas cartridge 6 to be displaced to the right, i.e., in the direction of the styling rod. Thus, by means of the angular face 14, a vertical force exerted on the cap 4 is diverted into a force exerted horizontally to the right on the gas cartridge.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section along the cross section line A-A with opened cap 4, as indicated in FIG. 6. The pivot axis 19 of the cap 4 and a clamp element 20 connected with the cap 4 allow the gas cartridge 6 to be displaced into the position of removal, i.e., to be displaced toward the wall section 8 of the holding device 5.

Upon opening of the cap 4, the clamp element 20, which forms a projection, becomes attached to the front surface on the left side of the gas cartridge 6. Because of its geometry and arrangement with regard to the pivot axis 19, during the process of opening the cap 4, the clamp element 20 allows the gas cartridge 6 to be pulled away from the needle valve 10.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section through the handle 3 with closed cap 4, corresponding to FIG. 9. Compared to the cross section in FIG. 9, here the gas cartridge 6 is displaced toward the left side, resulting in the fact that the needle valve 10 is inserted in the valve 24 of the gas cartridge 6. Since the cap 4 is closed, the clamp element 20 is not necessarily attached to the left end of the gas cartridge 6. The fact that the clamp element 20 is not attached to the gas cartridge 6 is actually advantageous because, if the opening mechanism is activated, the cap 4 activated through the tensioned spring element 15 transfers automatically from closing position to release position.

Consequently, after activating the button 9, the cap 4 can automatically spring open a little. In order to open the cap 4 completely, which involves a movement of the gas cartridge 6 to the right, the user has to perform a respective action.

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal cross section through the handle 3 along the cross section line B-B with opened cap 4, as indicated in FIG. 6. At this, the gas cartridge 6 is in position of removal because it is attached to the right side of the wall section 8 of the holding device 5. Compared to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the needle valve 10 in FIG. 11 is not inserted in the valve 24 of the gas cartridge 6.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the snap-on means which are designed to snap the cap 4 into opening position. The perspective view of FIG. 12 shows the pivoting bearing of the cap 4, which features at its end the clamp 20 that is pivot-mounted at the pivot axis 19. Around the pivot axis 19, a cylindrical spacer 21 has been arranged. The front side of the cylindrical spacer has at least one projection 22 which has two typically recesses of different size. In the area of the contact part to the cylindrical spacer 21, the clamp element 20 features a projection 23 corresponding to the projection 22. Through a rotation of the cap 4 and an associated turning of the clamp element 20, both projections 22, 23 are displaced against each other. Because of the flexibility intrinsic in the plastic material of the clamp element 20 and the spacer 21 or the cap 4, they give way if they face each other. If the opening position of the cap 4 is reached, the projection 23 is in the recess 25. The geometry of both projections 22 and 23 prevents the cap 4 to be snapped close merely by its weight. Consequently, the snap-on means depicted here prevent the cap 4 from automatically and possibly unintentionally being snapped close during the process of exchanging the gas cartridge 6. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A hair styling device comprising: a hair styling rod, and a graspable housing connected to the styling rod, the housing defining a gas cartridge compartment; and a cover positionable to close the gas cartridge compartment; wherein the cover is connected to the housing with a pivot connection, such that the cover is movable between an open position and a closed position.
 17. The hair styling device of claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the cover in the open position.
 18. The hair styling device of claim 16, further comprising a gas cartridge positioned within the compartment.
 19. The hair styling device of claim 18, configured such that closing the cover moves the gas cartridge along an axial direction of the hair styling device into an operating position.
 20. The hair styling device of claim 18, wherein the cover includes a gas cartridge contact surface spaced from the pivot connection and disposed on a side of the cover that faces the cartridge compartment in the closed position.
 21. The hair styling device of claim 20, wherein the gas cartridge contact surface is configured such that closing the cover forces the cartridge toward the forming rod.
 22. The hair styling device of claim 18, configured such that opening the cover moves the gas cartridge in an axial direction of the hair styling device into a take-out position.
 23. The hair styling device claim 18, wherein the cover includes a protrusion adjacent the pivot connection and extending from a side of the cover that faces the cartridge compartment in the closed position.
 24. The hair styling device claim 23, wherein the protrusion is configured to force the cartridge away from the forming rod in a release position as the cover is opened.
 25. The hair styling device of claim 18, wherein the housing includes means for moving the cover from the closed position to a take-out position.
 26. The hair styling device of claim 22, wherein the cover includes a spring element that biases the cover toward the take-out position.
 27. The hair styling device claim 25, further comprising a cover release clement embedded in an end of the housing.
 28. The hair styling device of claim 16, wherein the housing includes an interior wall that forms an end of the gas cartridge compartment at an end of the housing.
 29. The hair styling device of claim 28, wherein the wall and the cover are configured to engage in a snap connection.
 30. The hair styling device of claim 29, further comprising a release element configured to be activated against a spring to unlatch the snap connection.
 31. The hair styling device of claim 30, wherein the spring is formed of a single piece of material.
 32. The hair styling device of claim 16, wherein the housing and the cover have coordinated outlines constituting a cylinder-like form in the closed position.
 33. The hair styling device of claim 32, wherein the cylinder-like form narrows towards an end of the housing away from the styling rod. 